Climate Change and Security: The Case of Florida

The low-lying subtropical Florida Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the sea, is highly vulnerable to the manifestations of climate change. Rising sea levels are already responsable for significant coastal erosion that threatens infrastructure, real estate, and Florida’s subtropical habitats. The State lies in the path of hurricanes whose winds and storm surges pose great threats to life and property. Rising temperatures are likely to impact the most vulnerable sectors of the population, adversely impact agriculture, and threaten the health of Florida’s coral reef ecosystems. Some local governments are beginning to address the threats. However, the State of Florida irresponsibly continues to take a “business-as-usual” path